"Before I let Go" by Kennedy Ryan: Black Romance Book Review

Before I Let Go is a tale of love lost and found set under the backdrop of Black entrepreneurship, family and success in the suburbs of Atlanta. The undeniable spark in Yasmen and Josiah Wade's love at first sight has carried them through 15 years of bliss. It's seen them through graduate degrees, business launches, building their dream home, birthing their kids, and growing their thriving upscale soul food restaurant, Grits. 

When life throws them curveballs and tragic losses, Yasmen & Josiah’s internal and external struggles dissolve the marriage that everyone thought was unbreakable. What happens when true love’s spark is snuffed out? Can second chances live on the other side of hurtful words and heartbreak? You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out.

This was my second experience with Kennedy Ryan's work, and I truly enjoyed it overall. I appreciate the author’s thorough and thoughtful approach to the story, as well as the development of every character. I also appreciated the focus on Black mental health; it was refreshing to see those conversations occurring through shifting family dynamics in ways that are sorely needed, but don't always happen in real life. As a hopeless romantic, I appreciate that this story captures the real WORK that sustains real love.

By now, I'm sure that my fellow seasoned Black Romance girlies are wondering "But what about the spice?!" I can't call this a comprehensive review without mentioning that! This book features several love scenes that depict healthy physical attraction between two longtime lovers. Even in divorce, their attraction to one another never dies. I loved that Si notes the changes in Yas's body with nothing but love, admiration, and immense respect. He praises every curve, stretch mark, and scar on that thick southern woman's body (Lord, I've seen what you've done for others...!) and uses them to illustrate the map of their journey together. The spice in this book does differ from some of the urban/hood romances that usually capture my attention in that it's graphic without being overly explicit. But don't worry; the sophisticated spice, while slow to build, didn't disappoint. It may not be the stuff from your favorite self-published Amazon author, but it was still steamy nonetheless.

The first book of the Skyland series, Before I Let Go is unapologetically Black and packed with so much cultural relevance that I was left as full as a faithful patron at Grits. From the portrayal of elders who reminded me of my own, to HBCU pride, multigenerational representation, and the very real conversations about emotions, grief, therapy, and the transitions that they can bring; I appreciate Kennedy Ryan’s bestseller as a reminder that real love evolves with us and our mistakes.

If you enjoy Black Romance as much as I do, then this book is definitely worth checking out. Pick up a copy on your e-reader or at your favorite bookstore, and comment below to tell me what you think!

Read. Rest. Repeat. #StayKultured